Motion: Celebrating the work of park rangers

The Senate passes Lee's motion honouring the work of park rangers around the world and extending their sympathies to Glen Turner, a park ranger killed recently in northern New South Wales.

Senator RHIANNON(New South Wales) (15:38): I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) 31 July was World Ranger Day, which celebrates the work of park rangers around the world and commemorates those who have died in the line of duty,

(ii) park rangers, their ranger associations, and the International Ranger Federation ensure the world's terrestrial and marine parks, and the flora and fauna that live in them, are protected from vandalism, poaching, theft, exploitation or destruction,

(iii) over 1 000 rangers worldwide have lost their lives over the past 10 years, 80 per cent of whom have been murdered by poachers and armed militias, and

(iv) the International Ranger Federation raises awareness of, and support for, the critical work That the world's park rangers do in conserving our natural and cultural heritage;

(b) calls on the Government to consider:

(i) providing practical support to The Thin Green Line Foundation's work in protecting park rangers and supporting the families of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and

(ii) assisting international efforts to control poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife and timber products; and

(c) expresses its condolences to the family, friends and work colleagues of Mr Glen Turner, a park ranger killed in northern New South Wales in July 2014.